Charedi Soldier Ends IDF Service After Rabbi’s Guidance

JERUSALEM (VINnews) – A haredi soldier serving in an elite technological unit has decided to leave the IDF after receiving guidance from Rabbi Avraham Salem, a member of Shas’ Council of Torah Sages, according to a report by Kan News.

The soldier consulted Rabbi Salem about his continued military service amid the growing conflict between haredi leaders and the government over military conscription.

חבר מועצת חכמי התורה של ש"ס, הרב אברהם סלים, הורה לחייל חרדי בשירות קבע לעזוב את צה"ל בטענה ש"הוא במלחמה עם בני התורה" | הדיווח של @daniel_grovais #מהדורתכאןחדשות עם @talberman pic.twitter.com/UpKyvcOXct

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) September 1, 2026

According to the report, Salem advised the soldier to end his regular service, citing the current tensions surrounding Torah students and expressing concern that the soldier’s military status could expose his family to harm.

Salem reportedly told the soldier that reserve service could still be an option, but advised him against taking additional steps that would deepen his long-term connection to the military.

The soldier said he had initially received encouragement from prominent rabbis when he began serving, particularly after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, when many haredi soldiers received strong backing for their military service.

That atmosphere has changed as the dispute over haredi enlistment has intensified. Increased enforcement against draft evaders and the introduction of sanctions have contributed to growing tensions within the haredi community and among its rabbinic leadership.

People close to Rabbi Salem confirmed the basic details of the case to Kan News.